Former USS Doyle docks for the last time in New Orleans

The former USS Doyle (FFG-39) concluded her final voyage from Philadelphia to New Orleans July 30th, where she will now be disassembled and recycled by Southern Recycling, part of EMR, one of the world’s leading metal recyclers.

The 4,050 ton Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate served in the US Navy and is the last of a six-vessel contract awarded to EMR.

The decommissioned USS Doyle, also nicknamed the Valiant Mariner, was the 30th vessel to be constructed in her class and received her namesake from Vice Admiral James Henry Doyle, who received the Distinguished Service Medal for his involvement in the Korean War.

During her 28-year service in the US Navy, the USS Doyle saw at least six deployments in the Mediterranean Sea, two in the Persian Gulf, including participating in Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War and deployed to operate with the Middle East Force. Her distinguished service earned numerous awards – including the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed forced Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Navy E Ribbon.

Southern Recycling, part of EMR, operates the New Orleans metal recycling yard and over the last four years has taken delivery of a number of US Navy ships including USS Thomas S. Gates (CG-51), USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931), USS George Philip (FFG-12), USS Jarrett (FFG-33) and USS Sides (FFG-14).

Andrew Sheppard, Chief Operating Officer of Southern Recycling said: “It’s an honor to be given the chance to dismantle another celebrated Navy ship with such an impressive record of service for our great nation.

“Our goal is to recycle as much of the material from the ship as possible, and we have invested heavily in our ship-breaking facilities to ensure that we have the right people, processes and technology to carry out specialist marine recycling contracts in the safest and most environmentally responsible manner.”

Work will now begin to recycle the 453 foot long and 47 foot wide vessel, which will take approximately six months to complete.